Multi-Electrode Catheter for Faster Irreversible Electroporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electroporation techniques are time-consuming, necessitating improvements for more efficient irreversible electroporation processes.
Innovation Solution
A catheter device with a distal electrode, membrane, and multiple electrodes on the membrane, along with a signal generator evaluation unit, allows for tissue impedance determination and ablation by controlling various electrode pairs and sequences to optimize electroporation efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional electroporation techniques are used, then tissue treatment is achieved, but treatment time is excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The catheter electrode is divided into multiple independently controllable electrode segments along its length. Each segment can be activated selectively to create multiple electric field zones simultaneously, allowing parallel treatment of different tissue regions and significantly reducing overall treatment time compared to sequential single-electrode approaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from conventional point-to-point electroporation to a distributed multi-electrode array system. By arranging multiple electrodes in spatial distribution along the catheter, the treatment approaches the tissue from multiple locations simultaneously, adding a spatial dimension to the electroporation process and enabling parallel化处理 of multiple tissue targets.
2Productivity
If multiple electrodes are arranged on the membrane, then electroporation efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-electrode catheter structure serves multiple functions: each electrode can independently deliver electroporation pulses, serve as an impedance sensing element, and be selectively activated based on tissue characteristics. This multi-functionality justifies the increased structural complexity by providing enhanced treatment capabilities and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter incorporates a compliant membrane that can expand or change shape in response to tissue pressure, dynamically adapting the electrode-tissue interface. This dynamic characteristic allows the rigid electrode structure to conform to soft tissue contours, maintaining effective electrical contact while managing the complexity of having multiple electrodes on a flexible substrate.
3Measurement precision
If tissue impedance determination is performed, then treatment precision is improved, but measurement and control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The signal generator evaluation unit continuously measures tissue impedance at each electrode and uses this feedback to adjust pulse delivery parameters in real-time. This closed-loop control system optimizes electroporation effectiveness by adapting to tissue heterogeneity, justifying the added measurement and control complexity through improved treatment precision and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The catheter system performs self-characterization of the tissue by measuring impedance through its own electrodes before and during treatment. This self-service capability eliminates the need for separate diagnostic procedures, allowing the treatment device to automatically assess tissue properties and adjust its operation accordingly, managing complexity through integration rather than addition.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables faster and more precise irreversible electroporation by selectively determining tissue impedance and delivering IRE pulses through controlled electrode configurations, reducing treatment time.
Implementation Method 1
tissue impedance determination
Implementation Method 2
If the electric field exceeds a certain threshold required for the formation of pores in the lipid bilayers of cell membranes, and the tissue is exposed to this field for a critical period, electroporation becomes irreversible. The pores remain permanently open, ultimately leading to programmed cell death (apoptosis) of the affected cell.
Implementation Method 3
IRE typically uses bipolar pulses, i.e., a combination of positive and negative pulses, to largely avoid muscle contractions that typically occur with direct current. These pulses can be applied between two bipolar electrodes of a catheter
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention describes a device and a method for electroporation. One embodiment of the device comprises a catheter and a signal generator evaluation unit connected to the proximal end of the catheter.